TEXARKANA, Ark. (AP) — The Texarkana Planning Commission is considering an ordinance that would let city workers cut down trees on private property if they are unsafe. Funding could be provided through fees added to local water bills.

The city already handles condemned trees in the city’s right of way but Ward Director Londell Williams asked if something could be done to address problem trees on private property. Public Works Director Paul Hackleman set up a meeting to discuss how to condemn trees, remove them or replant them but remained concerned about finances.

“I’m not opposed to this, but you shouldn’t add a service unless you know how to pay for it,” Hackleman said, according to the Texarkana Gazette (http://bit.ly/19ioAjG).

Members of the panel discussed the ordinance Tuesday and have it on their agenda again for Sept. 10.

Commission vice chairman Jason Dupree said fees ranging from $1 to $5 monthly could be added to city water bills to fund a tree program, though he would want residents to weigh in during the November election.

“This is a thorny issue, and I don’t want to impose a tax on the people without a vote,” Dupree said.

Mayor Wayne Smith told commissioners he opposed a tree ordinance that would charge residents any additional fees. He said city residents on a fixed income would be hurt by the ordinance.

“I don’t want to have to pay $1 a month to have someone cut a tree,” Smith said. “We can’t get weeds cut around here. We don’t have the money and staff to do it. Give us an ordinance that we can go after irresponsible homeowners. Give us an ordinance where we can take them to court.”

Hackleman told commissioners people could be fined, arrested and go to court for not taking care of trees on their property, but said the reality of them really being locked up was unlikely. Having a fee for the city to take down problematic trees added to the water bill might put some teeth in the enforcement.

“If you can turn off their water, you are going to have an enforcement tool,” Hackleman said.

He said the idea had not been discussed with the water utility.

Lisa White, a retiree, told commission members she opposed passing along costs to homeowners because homeowners aren’t always at fault for where trees grow.

“I didn’t plant the trees in the right-of-way, the squirrels did,” White said. “I have cut three this year, and six were cut before the ice storm.”